Elaine Eisenbaum, MSW

2013-2014 Virtual Trainee

Elaine Eisenbaum is a fourth-year doctoral student in the School of Social Work at the University of Texas and a third-year UCEDD trainee at Texas Center for Disability Studies. Prior to entering the doctoral program, Elaine received her undergraduate degree in special education at the University of Texas and her Master's in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis. After receiving her MSW, Elaine worked as a Program Director at L'Arche Greater Washington, DC, and as the Director of Advocacy and Operations at The Arc of Northern Virginia.

Over the past three years as a trainee at Texas Center for Disability Studies, Elaine has implemented person-directed plans while working with military families, run the Center's social media, and worked as a teaching assistant for the Center's online disability studies courses. This past summer Elaine was the course instructor in the School of Social Work for her own new course, "Attitudes, Power, and Oppression: Introduction to Disability Studies." In her doctoral program, Elaine has a dual research focus on disability history and disability policy. More specifically, her research area is the intersection of eugenics and policies that affect access to full inclusion in the community.

Outside of her studies, Elaine enjoys going to the movies, spending time with her dog, Dolly, and enjoying the company of family and friends. Additionally, for the past ten years Elaine has participated in Special Olympics as a player on unified teams.